Hampshire Hill Group Ltd

16/10/2026

There are some changes to the Cash ISA coming in to force in April. The overall limit for ISAs will remain at £20,000 but there will be changes to how this amount can be split. The limit on the amount that can be held in a Cash ISA for those under 65 is being reduced to £12,000 and the remaining £8.000 can be placed in a stocks and shares ISA. This £8,000 does need to be invested, otherwise it will incur a 22% charge.

The change has been in the pipeline for some time, so I know our clients are already aware. Alongside the changes being made to Inheritance Tax and the Lifetime ISA, we wouldn't be surprised if more changes to financial legislation will be announced in the forthcoming budget.

The understanding of the impact of any changes is something we pride ourselves on knowing. We believe in helping our clients make considered decisions when it comes to their financial planning. I'm confident that no matter what future changes are announced we will continue to ensure our clients are best placed to know what options are open to them. It's just part of what we do here at Hampshire Hill.

Your Window on Wealth: ISA changes incoming - what they mean for your savings

09/10/2026

I don't know about you but I'm not sure where the time goes. We're already half way through the 26/27 financial year!

This means we're only 6 months away from the significant changes to inheritance tax coming into effect. Do you know what they are? Do you understand how you are going to be impacted, if at all? If you’re unsure what the changes are and whether they will affect you, please get in touch.

We’re helping our clients to ensure they’re fully prepared for the forthcoming change in legislation. It’s just one of the ways we support our clients and ensure they’re always making informed decisions.

Richard

02/10/2026

When we meet with clients, regardless of the initial reason for them contacting us, we aim to take a holistic view of their financial situation. Working through our lifestyle planning process is an excellent place to start and really does help clients focus on what their financial priorities and goals are. We find this is the best way to start a conversation about finances and we know our clients appreciate our approach.

One thing which is often highlighted is how a client is saving for retirement. Many employed clients pay into their auto enrolment pension, which is also contributed to by their employer, and think that this is sufficient for their retirement. I agree, it’s a good start but I’m always keen to encourage them to consider paying in to a separate private pension so they’re truly preparing for life post retirement age.

The sooner you start saving in to a private pension the better; if you can make it a habit when you first start working then it’s a brilliant way to start. As the article below explains, you can build up a significant pension pot if you start early.

I know everybody is facing financial challenges at the moment and this is unlikely to change in the short term. If you can look at saving 5% of your income, for example, and still manage to meet your monthly expenses then the long term benefit can be massive. Keeping your pension savings at 5% of income throughout your working life, is a great habit to form.

If you'd like to talk about financial planning in general, our lifestyle planning or process or would like specific information about savings, pensions or mortgages, then please do get in touch. We're always happy to have a conversation and see how we can help you.

Your Window on Money: Starting early can help you save smarter

24/09/2026

Did you know that if you're a single adult, without children, and you die intestate your parents are likely to inherit your estate? You may not feel writing a will is necessary if you have no dependents but I'd go as far to say as it's even more essential.

Passing without a will, intestate, means that your closest family members will inherit your estate. If they're living, then this could mean it all passes to your parents. Whomever it goes to, you have no say as you didn't take the time to write a will go state your wishes.

As some elderly parents take time to manage the inheritance tax liability of their estate in advance, suddenly receiving an inheritance from an adult child could cause them more heartache, in addition to the grief they experience.

The only way to ensure that any property or money you have at the time of your passing goes to those you want to benefit is to write a will. It doesn't need to be expensive and isn't a complicated process for most people. If you'd like to discuss writing a will, then our friendly team at Hampshire Hill can help.

16/09/2026

As financial advisers we spend a lot of time talking about our clients' retirement goals and helping them plan for the retirement they'd like to be able to enjoy. We often say that retirement planning should be started as soon as possible; I'd ideally like to see clients saving a little every month as soon as they start work so the habit forms early on. I'm not talking about large sums, just a little each month to start with can make a big difference to you pensions pot.

None of us know what is going to happen to the state pension in the next 20+ years! If only we had a crystal ball! One thing which is key is that paying as much as you can in to your Auto Enrolment Pension through paid employment, with the employer's contributing too is essential. As will be an additional private pension, of that we can be sure.

Have you actually considered how your retirement might look for you? Have you also thought about your mental health and wellbeing? We’re financial advisers so I'm not going to tell you what to do on these areas! With our lifestyle planning process we can help you determine what is important to you and your family so you can have clear goals for the retirement you'd like to live.

Your Window on Wealth: Enjoying a happy and healthy retirement is down to good planning

08/09/2026

It's now 7 weeks (and counting) until we hear the Government's budget; the first under a new leader and new Chancellor. That means we have weeks of speculation about what will be announce ahead of us!

Will there be changes to pensions? Will there be in an increase in taxation? We know that small changes have already been announced, like the cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues, which come into effect next April. We know that the government are keen to increase economic growth and tackle the squeeze on household budgets. How they plan to go about this we will have to see.

Regardless of what changes may be made I know that the Hampshire Hill team will be best placed to advise on the impact on your financial circumstances. We've already worked with some clients to ensure they're best prepared for the forthcoming changes in Inheritance Tax for example, is just part of what we do. Preparation is key.

I'm not going to think about what might happen next month; I'm going to wait and see what 28th October actually brings and suggest you do the same.

Richard

27/08/2026

Do you have a clear idea of what your retirement is going to look like? I don't mean your dreams, I mean in reality?

Over our working lives many of us build up pension pots with various providers. This can make it difficult to have a real handle on your retirement savings. I'd recommend considering whether moving them in to one account with one provider would be a sensible move.

We can not only help with consolidating pension pots but we can also help you decide whether an early withdrawal from your private pension is a good idea or not. We know some people are tempted by this option when they turn 55/57, but actually making an informed decision about whether it's the right choice for you is important.

Here at Hampshire Hill we pride ourselves on developing relationships with our clients. We like to remove complications from the world of finance so our clients can make informed decisions. If you'd like to discuss pensions please do get in touch.

17/08/2026

Do you have savings sat in a bank account earning minimal interest? Research says that there are many who have money earning less than 1% interest. Working with a firm of independent financial advisors isn't just for the wealthy. Our knowledge and advice can help everybody, even those with a small savings pot which is currently earning a low rate of interest.

You see, what we're about is making sure you know what options are available and how those options can work for you. You don't need to be earning a vast amount of money or be sitting on a big sum of savings!

Our approach at Hampshire Hill is one of transparency and working in partnership with our clients. We believe that clients who make informed decisions are the happiest when it comes to finances. We know that planning can help clients achieve their financial goals and can also ensure their better placed to face the unexpected, should it happen.

So, regardless of whether you have a small amount of savings sat in a low interest account or whether you’re just interested to learn more about our approach, get in touch. You really do have nothing to lose!

07/08/2026

Recent research undertaken by Aegon suggests that making a Will isn't a priority for adults as their findings are that only 38% of adults have written one. This is such a low figure and I really don't understand why so many shy away from putting their wishes in to a legal document, in the form of a Will.

Here at Hampshire Hill we work with our clients on helping them make informed decisions. Our lifestyle planning process looks at all areas of finance but we'll also have a conversation about the importance of writing a Will. I see it as being such a vital piece of a financial jigsaw; don't place all your focus on savings, investments and pension planning without determining what you'd like to happen with your estate on your passing.

We have a Will writing service in house as we appreciate that clients need to make their final decisions known to their loved ones. In the same way we know one size doesn't fit all in terms of financial planning, the same is also true of estate planning. As with everything we offer, we are able to explain the decisions open to them and advise as necessary.

So, don't forget to prepare for the inevitable and make sure you make time to write a Will. To me it's the natural extension to financial planning and I'm proud that this is a service we also offer to our clients. Don't put it off, drop us a line and we'll help you ensure your wishes are included in your Will.

Richard

Your Window on Wealth: In the news - a recap of recent financial news

31/07/2026

We all know and understand that the property market can be difficult to navigate. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, making sure the price is right is key.

If you're buying it's also important to consider how much you can realistically afford to pay each month on your mortgage. Make sure you have some wiggle room too as it's highly likely your interest rate will go up at some point.

We work with buyers and have a lot of experience with helping first time buyers throughout the process. Our experienced independent mortgage advisers can work with all buyers to make the whole thing easier. We offer a transparent service and welcome the opportunity to help clients get the best mortgage deals we can .

https://hampshirehill.co.uk/selling-this-summer-follow-the-seven-day-rule/

Your Window on HomeFinance: Selling this summer? Follow the seven-day rule